Remote downhole signal decoder and method for signal re-transmission

ABSTRACT

A decoding device is used to securely send corresponding data gathered from multiple underground sources to multiple users. The device comprises a signal receiving port connected to multiple bandwidth filters and further connected to internet access points that are assigned to end users for secure data access. The invention facilitates allowing the signal and data being transmitted through the formation of the earth to reach end users located nearby and significant distances away from the source of the transmission. A system and method utilizing the decoding device is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional patent application claims priority to co-pendingUnited States patent application having the Ser. No. 17/198,217, filedMar. 10, 2021 which is entitled “REMOTE DOWNHOLE SIGNAL DECODER ANDMETHOD FOR SIGNAL RE-TRANSMISSION” and issued as U.S. Pat. No.11,342,934, which claims priority to United States patent applicationhaving the Ser. No. 16/823,325, filed Mar. 18, 2020 which is entitled“REMOTE DOWNHOLE SIGNAL DECODER AND METHOD FOR SIGNAL RE-TRANSMISSION”and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,972,124, which claimed priority to UnitedStates patent provisional application having the Ser. No. 62/819,726,filed Mar. 18, 2019 which is entitled “REMOTE DOWNHOLE SIGNAL DECODERAND METHOD FOR SIGNAL RE-TRANSMISSION.” United States patent provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/819,726 is hereby incorporated by reference. Thepresent application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

The invention was not funded or developed under a contract with anagency of the U.S. Government.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to subterranean exploration andproduction of resources. More specifically, this invention relates to anapparatus and method to decode downhole signals for oil and gasexploration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different applications exist where signal, and data carried withinthis signal, will be transmitted through the earth's formation. Seismicdata gathering, geophysical research, earthquake detection and telemetrydata from drilling operations being common forms of this type of signaltransmission. This invention relates to the improvement of gatheringthis signal, the efficiency of which it is carried from depth upwardlyto the surface of the earth, and lastly the means in which it can berebroadcast over great distances to where the information is needed.

Specifically, during the drilling of a well or underground bore datathat is collected by the downhole measuring tools is transmitted via theearths formation to the surface and received by signal gatheringequipment located at the earth's surface or at a very shallow depthtypically achieved by installing antenna rods. These rods are generallyunder 10 feet in length and are connected by cables to the on- sitesignal decoding hardware. This method has its inherent difficulties andchallenges as surface signal is often diluted by the great distance tothe underground tool or overcome by the ambient electrical interferenceof other electrical equipment operating at the surface location, such asthe drilling rig itself. One method of overcoming this is by using wirethat extends from deep below the earth surface in relatively close rangeof the downhole transmitting tool and extending to the earth's surfacewhere signal and data can be decoded cleanly. This method is describedin detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,181,014. However once signal is receivedat the earth's surface via this wire it is often needed to be decoded ata location that is a great distance away from this wireline's surfacelocation point.

Accordingly, there is a need to improve the ability to decode andbroadcast and downhole signals This invention satisfies that need.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention is a device. In a more specificembodiment, the device comprises an input device for sending a pluralityof signals to the decoding device; a plurality of frequency filters forsegmenting the plurality of signal into specific frequency ranges; aplurality of data access value coders, wherein a specific data accesscoder is matched to a specific frequency filter handling the specificfrequency range; an output device for transmitting multiple signalssegmented into specific frequencies; and a power source for operatingthe decoding device.

In a second embodiment, the invention is a system. In a more specificembodiment, the device comprises at least one device for receiving atleast one signal transmitted though the subterranean earth; a decodingdevice that segments a plurality of received signals and assignsspecific frequency ranges access codes from data access coders matchedto specific frequency filters and transmits multiple signals segmentedinto specific frequencies; a network that transmits multiple signalssegmented into specific frequencies to at least one end user and; atleast one end user that receives the data assigned to the end user basedon the signal frequency.

In a third embodiment, the invention is a method. In a more specificembodiment, the method comprises five steps. First is introducing asignal with a specific frequency into a subterranean formation. Secondis transmitting the signal received by an underground wireline to adecoding device on the surface. Third is using the decoding device toseparate the signal into a specific frequency range and assigning thefrequency range an access value. Fourth is transmitting the signal to anend user. Fifth is using the access value to allow the end user toreceive the data from the single associated with that access value.

DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the present technique may becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention inoperation;

FIG. 2 is a graphic display of an embodiment showing multiple signalsbeing received on a singular decoding device;

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of an embodiment showing componentscontained inside a receiver device; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart graph showing a method embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Below is a description of various embodiments of the invention. Beforedescribing selected embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, itis to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described herein. The disclosures and descriptions hereinare illustrative and explanatory of one or more presently preferredembodiments and variations thereof. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in the design, organization,means of operation, structures and location, methodology, and use ofmechanical equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

The drawings are intended to illustrate and plainly disclose presentlypreferred embodiments to one of skill in the art but are not intended tobe manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products. Thesemay include simplified conceptual views to facilitate understanding orexplanation. In addition, the relative size and arrangement of thecomponents may differ from that shown and still operate within thespirit of the invention.

Moreover, various directions such as “upper”, “lower”, “bottom”, “top”,“left”, “right”, “first”, “second” and so forth are made only withrespect to explanation in conjunction with the drawings. The inventivecomponents may be oriented differently, for instance, duringtransportation, manufacturing and operations. Numerous varying anddifferent embodiments and modifications may be made within the scope ofthe concept(s) embodiments herein taught and described. Therefore, it isto be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted asillustrative and non-limiting. However, the invention can be used toreceive, transmit and classify many signals not just geoscienceinformation.

In one embodiment, the invention consists of a decoding device used tosecurely send corresponding data gathered from multiple undergroundsources to multiple users. The device comprises a signal receiving portconnected to multiple bandwidth filters and further connected tointernet access points that are assigned to end users for secure dataaccess. The invention facilitates allowing the signal and data beingtransmitted through the formation of the earth to reach end userslocated nearby and up to great distances away from the source of thetransmission. The invention enables limited access to individual usersso that data security from their prospective transmitting device ispreserved. The signal received from multiple sources that aretransmitting through the formation of the earth from miles away could bereceived, filtered by frequency, and rebroadcast through localizednetworks as well as via the internet to the end users by use of theinvention and specialized software.

In another embodiment, this invention is a system that allows for thedecoding, rebroadcasting, frequency segmentation, and secure access tothat surface signal by multiple parties, from multiple downhole signalgenerating devices. In a more specific embodiment, the device comprisesat least one device for receiving at least one signal transmitted thoughthe subterranean earth; a decoding device that segments a plurality ofreceived signals and assigns specific frequency ranges access codes fromdata access coders matched to specific frequency filters and transmitsmultiple signals segmented into specific frequencies; a network thattransmits multiple signals segmented into specific frequencies to atleast one end user and; at least one end user that receives the dataassigned to the end user based on the signal frequency.

In a more specific embodiments of the system include the ability toconvert analog signal received from the downhole telemetry source to adigital signal format, transmit that digital signal over great distancesvia internet connectivity and then be converted back to analog signal atthe end users location for signal decoding of a downhole transmittingelectromagnetic Measurement-While-Drilling tool.

In an alternative embodiment the system can convert analog signalreceived from the downhole telemetry source to a digital signal format,transmit that digital signal to nearby locations for wirelessconnectivity to end users and then be converted back to analog signal atthe end users location for signal decoding of a downhole transmittingelectromagnetic Measurement-While-Drilling tool. This signal may betransmitted to this nearby location via: wireless internet connection;Bluetooth; wireless ethernet; radio frequency; microwave; or any othermeans of wireless signal or data transmission as described below.

By using this device and/or system clearer, interference free data couldbe used from the downhole transmitting sources by users anywhere in theworld. Localized signal retrieval methods would no longer be needed andthe need for personnel to be assigned to well drilling locations for thepurpose of signal retrieval and decoding would no longer exist.

In a more specific embodiment, a complete telemetry system is provided.This system comprises a device for sending an electromagnetic signal; adevice for receiving an electromagnetic signal. The signal can come froman electromagnetic device contained in a drill string that is in asubterranean wellbore for transmitting an electromagnetic signal in ageological formation adjacent to the subterranean wellbore. The systemcan further comprise a cable for bringing the electromagnetic signal toa portion of earth's surface, wherein the cable is connected to theelectromagnetic device and the receiver; and a transmitter that can senda plurality of signals to at least one end user.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the invention comprises a decodingdevice 1, typically on the surface of the earth, that is connected to awireline signal retrieval system 3 as described in U.S. Pat. No.4,181,014. U.S. Pat. No. 4,181,014 is hereby incorporated by reference.This system uses a wire that extends to the surface of the earth 2 andreceives a signal 4 being transmitted through a formation 10 in thesubterranean earth.

FIG. 2 is a graph 20 showing simultaneously received signals of varyingfrequencies 26 over time 27 that is received on antenna decoding devicesuch as element 1 from FIG. 1 . The first, second third and fourthsignals are labeled as signal 21, signal 22, signal 23 and signal 24respectively. As shown in FIG. 2 , each of the four received datastreams could be made available to individual users in remote locations.Depending on the agreement each user could receive one or more of thesignals. Blockchain software can be used to protect the data and makesure each user only receives the data that user is entitled to and thedata is transmitted correctly.

In one embodiment, users would request access to the correspondingbandwidth at which their respective tool was transmitting. Usingbandwidth filtering and multiple IP address accessing software each ofthe data streams received at each frequency would be singled out,filtered and cleaned up for rebroadcasting to the end user's remotelocation. This data processing can be performed onsite and transmitteddirectly to the use or can be sent to an offsite data processing center.

This signal would typically be received from, but not limited to,drilling rigs 5 in operation nearby, as shown in FIG. 1 . During normaldrilling operations, electromagnetic (EM) Measurement-While-Drilling(MWD) tools emit a signal 6 into the earths formation 10 that istypically received and decoded on surface by localized antenna rods 8,that may nor may not need to located below the surface and into thesubterranean formation. As shown in FIG. 3 , in an embodiment of thisinvention, a decoding device 30 or an electrical signal acquisitiondevice receives raw signal from multiple downhole transmitting devices.These signals are typically received on a common wire extending upwardfrom a downhole receiving source such as, element 2 from FIG. 1 ) thatis connected via wire 31, or other method, to the decoding device 30which is sometimes called a signal receiving device. There are othertelemetry devices and systems that can be utilized to send a signal 4 tothe decoding device 30. These devices and systems include but are notlimited to radio waves, Bluetooth, other wireless signals, microwaves,ethernet, fiber optics and any combinations thereof.

Typically, the signals used will overlap in frequency, as shown in FIG.2 . These signals are almost always distinguishable from each other inthat they are all received into the device at a specific frequency 21and frequency bandwidth 25 with each individual signal at its ownbandwidth representing signal from an individual downhole transmittingdevice such as an EM MWD tool, such as element 3 from FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of component embodiments that may becontained inside a decoding device 30. In a more specific embodiment,the device comprises an input device for sending a plurality of signalsto the decoding device; a plurality of frequency filters for segmentingthe plurality of signal into specific frequency ranges; a plurality ofdata access value coders, wherein a specific data access coder ismatched to a specific frequency filter handling the specific frequencyrange; an output device for transmitting multiple signals segmented intospecific frequencies; and a power source for operating the decodingdevice.

Persons skilled in the art may recognize alternative or differentcomponents that can be perform the same benefit using the disclosures inthis patent application. All such components are intended to be includedin the claimed invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the decoding device 30 may utilize filters 33 orfrequency filters or frequency bandwidth filters to separate eachoverlapping signal received on the common input line or device such as,wire 31. The signal is transmitted through the input device through thefrequency bandwidth filters 33 which passes the specific frequencybandwidths to a matched data access coder that assigns each code aspecific access value. In one embodiment each of the plurality offrequency bandwidth filters 33 is matched or assigned to one or morespecific individually internet protocol (IP) addressed access points 34.The device can utilize specialized software to allow users to accesstheir respective downhole transmitting device by accessing one or moreof these points when given login permission. Blockchain software canprovide transmission of multiple data frequencies through one or moresystem and while accurately and reliably ensuring the specific user onlyreceives the data, that user is entitled to.

In alternative embodiment, input signals received from multiple downholetelemetry signal sources can be separated by other means other than byfrequency. The separation can be done by frequency, signal type, voltagelevel; amplitude; any other means of identifying individual signals fromone another and combinations thereof. In these alternative embodiments,the frequency filter will be substituted for a filter that can filterand distinguish the signals by signal type, voltage level; amplitude;any other means of identifying individual signals from one another andcombinations thereof.

The data will be transmitted by an output device capable of transmittingmultiple signals assigned specific access values. The output device canbe either an outside internet connection, shown as internet wire 35 orconnection or a localized Wi-Fi network, shown as antenna 36 attached torouter 37 which can be sent to the end user wither directly or through anetwork. Data can also be transmitted via satellite, microwave or othersuitable communication devices. The device will preferably beindependently powered separate from any incoming electrical transmissionfrom a local power source using a power connection 32, such as an outletplug.

The software used in conjunction with the device can provide one, two orthree separate functions either simultaneously or separately. First, thesoftware allows the device to receive multiple overlapping signals fromany downhole transmitting device whose transmission is strong enough toreach the wireline connected antenna and be carried to the surface viathe wire conductor. Second, once received by the device the softwaresorts the multiple signal by their carrier frequency. Each downholedevice has its own transmission frequency. Using bandwidth filter thesignals are separated and the software sends each signal cleanly andwithout interference to the access point with its individual IP address.During its third function, the software recognizes authorized users bytheir log in and password confirmation and allows them to access onlythe bandwidth, or bandwidth, the end user has authority to access. Usingblockchain or other types of complex software, the system can handle allthree function simultaneously, as needed.

Typically, the bandwidths can be matched to a specific respective toolbased on the known transmitting frequencies. For example, as shown FIG.1 , a MWD tool is transmitting a signal 4 that can be picked up by areceiving device 2, such as wireline. The receiving device 2 is alsopicking up additional signals as well. In this example the MWD tool (notshown) is transmitting the signal 4 at 4 HZ. The bandwidth filter forthis particular signal could be set to filter all signals below 3 HZ andabove 5 HZ. Thus, leaving only MWD TOOL 4 signal to be rebroadcast. Thesoftware will clean the signal from ambient noise leaving only 3-5 HZsignal, it will then allow that signal to be accessed at its specifiedIP address to the user who has the correct log in for that IP accesspoint via the internet.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the combined functions of both the hardware devicesas well as the specialized software deployed, multiple users 7 aregranted access to data or data logs using only one decoding device. Thisdecoding device can be connected through the internet to, directly orindirectly, transmit the received signal from a respective downholetransmitting tool in operation at the drilling rig site 5 to one or moreusers 7. This signal and its data contained within will be rebroadcast 9via the internet or other transmission device such as cellular tower,microwaves or satellite, to anywhere in the world. This device andsystem eliminate the need for specific surface signal decoding equipmentwith their localized antenna rods that are typically required at thedrilling rig site. One downhole wireline signal retrieval sourceconnected to this invention would replace multiple individual surfacesignal receivers. This device has been shown to be able to reliablyreceive, segment and transmit or rebroadcast up to seven independentsignals from downhole. In comparison, using a splitter attached to atransmitter tool it would be possible to receive and transmit up to twosignals. The ability to transmit two or more signals using one deviceand preferably at least 3 signals is a significant improvement.

Typically, oil and gas downhole tools such as, electromagnetic signaldevices requires a wire that extends from the tool all the way to thesurface. The technology disclosed herein enables signals that are beingbroadcast into the earth formation to be received at the surface withouta complete wireline connection. This is done by gathering the telemetrydata on an antenna that transfers that signal to surface for furtherrebroadcasting via wireless transmission to the end users.

Method

In one embodiment, the method requires five steps. First is introducinga signal with a specific frequency into a subterranean formation. Secondis transmitting the signal received by an underground wireline to adecoding device on the surface. Third is using the decoding device toseparate the signal into a specific frequency range and assigning thefrequency range an access value. Fourth is transmitting the signal to anend user. Fifth is using the access value to allow the end user toreceive the data from the single associated with that access value.

A specific example, which is not meant to be limiting, is shown in FIG.4 . First, a signal is introduced into the earth's formation 41. This istypically from an EM tool located beneath the earth's surface but can befrom a seismic device on the earth's surface. Second, that signal isthen transmitted through a wireline to the earth's surface from anunderground antennae up to the device 42. Third that signal is separatedby the device 43. That device can be the decoding device 30, shown inFIG. 3 . That decoding device can use bandwidth filters separatemultiple signals in specific frequency segments. Alternatively,blockchain software can decode the signal. Each signal can then beassociated with a specific transmitting tool such as, EM MWD. The signalcan then be converted from analog to digital signal, as needed. Fourth,one or more signals is then transmitted wirelessly to end users 44. Asmentioned above, one, two, three or more signals are sent independentlyor simultaneously by several different methods such as, internet to oneor more end user that can be remotely located. Fifth, the end users willthen receive the data 45. The end user can then choose to either convertthe signal back to analog to be decoded by their own surface decodingsignal device or the digital signal can be decoded via software withoutthe need for a secondary decoding device or the conversion back toanalog signal. Blockchain can also be utilized to expedite the processand eliminate steps such as, coding, decoding and segmenting the data.

The example device, systems and methods disclosed above are meant toillustrate embodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art willrecognize many different variations of these examples and disclosuresbased on the disclosure in this document and known prior art. Allvariations are intended to be within the scope of this invention.Therefore, the examples and specific embodiments disclosed are notintended to limit the scope of the claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a. a wireline for receiving andsending a plurality of signals to a decoding device, wherein thedecoding device is used to securely send corresponding data gatheredfrom multiple underground sources to multiple users; b. a plurality ofbandwidth filters in the decoding device for segmenting the plurality ofsignals into specific bandwidth ranges; c. a plurality of data accessvalue coders, wherein a specific data access coder is matched to aspecific bandwidth filter handling the specific bandwidth range; d. anoutput device for broadcasting multiple signals segmented into specificbandwidths; and e. a power source for operating the decoding device. 2.The decoding device of claim 1, further comprising a signal receivingport connected to multiple bandwidth filters, wherein the signalreceiving port is further connected to internet access points that areassigned to end users for secure data access.
 3. The decoding device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of signals is from aMeasurement-While-Drilling device on a drill string in a wellbore. 4.The decoding device of claim 1, wherein the output device forbroadcasting multiple signals is segmented into specific bandwidths andis sent using the output device broadcasting via wireless internetconnection, Bluetooth, wireless ethernet, radio, microwave andcombinations thereof.
 5. The decoding device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one additional filter for segmenting the pluralityof signals based on signal type, frequency voltage level, amplitude, andcombinations thereof.
 6. The decoding device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one device for converting the plurality of signalsfrom an analog signal to a digital signal.
 7. A system comprising: a. atleast one wireline device for receiving and sending a plurality ofsignals, broadcasted though subterranean earth, to a decoding device,wherein the decoding device is used to securely send corresponding datagathered from multiple underground sources to multiple users; b. thedecoding device that segments a plurality of received signals andassigning specific bandwidth ranges access codes from data access codersmatched to specific bandwidth filters and broadcasting multiple signalssegmented into specific bandwidths; c. a network that broadcastsmultiple signals segmented into specific bandwidths to at least one enduser; and d. an end user receiving device wherein the at least one enduser receives the data assigned to the end user based on the signalbandwidths.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a signalreceiving port connected to multiple bandwidth filters, wherein thesignal receiving port is further connected to internet access pointsthat are assigned to end users for secure data access.
 9. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the at least one signal is from aMeasurement-While-Drilling device on a drill string in a wellbore. 10.The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one signal is segmented intoa specific bandwidth using the decoding device and broadcasted viawireless internet connection, Bluetooth, wireless ethernet, radio,microwave and combinations thereof.
 11. The system of claim 7, whereinthe decoding device further comprising at least one additional filterfor segmenting the plurality of signals based on signal type, frequency,voltage level, amplitude and combinations thereof.
 12. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the decoding device, further comprising at least onedevice for converting the plurality of signals from an analog signal toa digital signal.
 13. A method comprising: a. introducing a signal witha specific bandwidth into a subterranean formation; b. broadcasting thesignal received by an underground wireline to a decoding device on thesurface, wherein the decoding device is used to securely sendcorresponding data gathered from multiple underground sources tomultiple users; c. using the decoding device to separate the signal intoa specific bandwidth range and assigning the specific bandwidth range anaccess value; d. broadcasting the signal to an end user; and e. usingthe access value to allow the end user to receive the data from thesignal associated with that access value.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising a signal receiving port connected to multiplebandwidth filters, wherein the signal receiving port is furtherconnected to internet access points that are assigned to end users forsecure data access.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the signal isfrom a Measurement-While-Drilling device on a drill string in awellbore.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the signal is segmentedinto a specific bandwidth using the decoding device and broadcasted viawireless internet connection, Bluetooth, wireless ethernet, radiofrequency, microwave and combinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim13, wherein the decoding device further comprising at least oneadditional filter for segmenting the plurality of signals based onsignal type, voltage level, amplitude, and combinations thereof.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising converting the plurality ofsignals from an analog signal to a digital signal.
 19. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising converting the signal from digital toanalog by the end user.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprisingadditional filtering by the end user.